Celebrate America everyday: Subramanian

Some years back, I wrote a glowing tribute to America for the 4th of July.

My encomium brought forth several emails expressing praise and appreciation, but one responsesurprised me. It came from an acquaintance who said that she could not understand how anyone could feel that way about America or, for that matter, any country.

She then listed what she deemed to be the fuliginous aspects of American history, starting with Columbus and ending with the Vietnam War.

My response to her is not important here, but I ask you, shall I speak slightingly of my adored wife because she has a blemish or two?

Shall I speak of her stride which is lovely as the summer is long with great approbation, or shall I focus on a stumble she took in the woods one day and reproach her for it?

On a golden smile, shall I be distracted by a few specks of silver or tin?

During an overseas assignment, I once stood in front of some people who burned the American flag. A small number of them were Americans.

Our garrison commander had told us that our job was to protect the base and to keep the peace. We were not to become involved.

So, I watched the horror unfold with unmitigated stoicism.

The stars and stripes is no mere cloth. It stands for grand things. It stands for the small and large sacrifices of millions of Americans that have made this country what it is: a perennial magnet for the migration of people seeking a powerful dream.

I recognize and respect the First Amendment rights of people to burn the American flag, but I do not understand these people, nor do I respect them.

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” said 21-year-old American patriot Nathan Hale before he was hanged by the British.

Contrast that with the churnings of the mind that takes a man to a realm where he pours vitriol and hate upon his own country.

Today is not the Fourth of July. It is not Flag Day. It is not Veterans Day.